More than 500 passengers were safely rescued after a ferry ran aground in the shallow waters near Jagna Port, Bohol. The Philippine Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV) reported that MV Lite Ferry 5, en route to Cagayan de Oro, drifted into shallow waters about 200 meters from the port due to low tide on the night of April 19, 2025.
Thanks to a concerned citizen’s alert, the Coast Guard swiftly responded. Coordinated efforts involving the Philippine Navy, the Jagna Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Bantay Dagat, and local fishermen ensured the safe transfer of all 506 passengers back to shore by dawn on April 20. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Preliminary inspections revealed no internal hull damage, though a comprehensive marine safety and environmental assessment is still ongoing. As of the latest update, a tugboat from Cebu is en route to assist in freeing the vessel.
The operation was led by Commodore Weniel Azcuna, demonstrating the Coast Guard’s commitment to prompt action and inter-agency cooperation during maritime emergencies.